Shop closed after selling illegal cigarettes

The UK Mini Market in South Moor has been ordered to close for three months after being caught selling illicit cigarettes.

We secured a three-month closure order of the UK Mini Market store, on Park Road in South Moor, at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.

Illicit products stashed in upstairs flat

The court heard our trading standards officers carried out a series of test purchases after being made aware of community concerns about the sale of illicit products from the shop.

The four test purchases took place between September last year and May this year, with officers being sold illicit cigarettes on each occasion.

During this time, officers' attention turned to establishing where the illicit products were being stored.

And they got their answer in June when carrying out an inspection of the shop alongside a search of the upstairs flat, with support from Durham Constabulary.

Value of seized goods totalled £5,600 

Officers seized 39 packets of illicit cigarettes and 35 pouches of hand rolling tobacco from the flat, along with 342 illegal vapes with oversized tanks.

A further 123 illegal vapes with oversized tanks were seized from behind the shop's counter, with the total retail value of the haul coming to £5,600.

Some of the goods seized are suspected to be counterfeit, and many did not contain the legally required health warnings. A related criminal investigation is ongoing.

Perpetrators 'only interested in making money'

Gary Carr, our strategic regulation manager, said: "Our trading standards officers have been tenacious in their investigations to secure this three-month closure order, which is the maximum the magistrates can impose.

"Selling illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime but those responsible care little about the harm they're causing. They're only interested in making money.

"This illegal activity is a real nuisance in our communities. It can make smoking more accessible to children and damages those honest and law-abiding local businesses that operate legitimately.

"That's why we work with partner agencies to crack down on it. Local people can help us by reporting any sales of illicit tobacco or vape products to us so we can take the necessary action."

How to report concerns

To report sales of illicit cigarettes or any other illegal products, contact the council's community protection service by calling 03000 261 016 or emailing cpintelligence@durham.gov.uk.

Tobacco crime can also be reported anonymously by ringing 0330 999 0000 or completing an online form on the Keep it out website.